Short answer: leave ordinary editorial footer links followed. Use rel="sponsored" if the link is paid for, and rel="ugc" if a user created it. Reserve rel="nofollow" for links you genuinely do not want your site associated with. Adding nofollow to normal footer links does not preserve ranking power. That idea, PageRank sculpting, stopped working in 2009.
| Attribute | Use it for | Footer example |
|---|---|---|
rel="sponsored" | Advertisements and paid placements | A paid partner badge, an affiliate link |
rel="ugc" | User-generated content | A link pulled in from comments or a forum widget |
rel="nofollow" | Links you do not want associated with your site, where the other values do not apply | A site you cite as an example of what not to do |
| No attribute | Ordinary editorial links | Your chamber of commerce, a trade body, a supplier you actually recommend |
Nofollow vs. Dofollow Links in Your Footer: A Clear Guide for Local Businesses
Local SEO isn’t just about keywords – it’s about connecting with your community online. Even seemingly minor details, like those external links in your website’s footer, can influence your local search visibility. Let’s unravel the distinction between “nofollow” and “dofollow” attributes, and their impact on your local SEO strategy.
Why Footer Links Matter for Local Businesses
But what is local SEO? Local SEO (local search engine optimization) is the art and science of making sure your business shows up when people near you search for the products or services you offer. Imagine this: someone in your neighborhood is craving your delicious pizza, or they need a quick fix from your plumbing service. They pull out their phone and search on Google. Local SEO ensures that your business is the one they see first.
What is a “Nofollow” Link?
Think of “nofollow” as a gentle nudge to search engines, indicating, “This link is for information, not ranking.” It helps maintain authenticity, a key factor in local search visibility. Using “nofollow” on external footer links signals to search engines that these links are for user convenience or information, not for passing on valuable ranking power.
What is a “Dofollow” Link?
In contrast, a “dofollow” link acts as a vote of confidence, telling search engines: “This link leads to relevant and valuable content.” Dofollow links can pass along “link juice” or ranking power, potentially boosting your site’s position in search results. However, they should be used strategically, linking to authoritative and trustworthy websites relevant to your local business.
Learn more about Dofollow Links on Moz.
What is a Sponsored Link Attribute?
A “sponsored” link attribute is like a little sign you put on a link, telling search engines “Hey, this link is here because someone paid for it.” Think of it as transparency for both search engines and users. It’s primarily used for:
- Paid Advertisements: Links within ads or paid placements should be marked as “sponsored.”
- Sponsored Content: If you’ve been paid to write an article or review that includes a link, that link should also use the “sponsored” attribute.
- Affiliate Links: If you earn a commission for sales generated through a link, it’s considered an affiliate link and should be marked as “sponsored.”
Using the “sponsored” attribute is essential for maintaining a healthy relationship with search engines. It ensures you’re complying with their guidelines and helps avoid any potential penalties associated with undisclosed paid links. It also helps users understand the nature of the link and its potential bias.
Nofollow vs. Dofollow?
- Showcase Your Community Focus: Search engines favor businesses engaged in their local area. Using “nofollow” on external footer links reinforces this focus, ensuring your site isn’t associated with spammy or irrelevant content.
- Build Local Trust: By controlling the flow of link equity, you protect your website from manipulative tactics. This helps maintain a strong online reputation, which is crucial for local businesses reliant on customer trust.
- Balance User Experience and SEO: “Nofollow” helps you strike the right balance between offering valuable resources to your audience and optimizing your site for local search visibility.
- Strategic Local Linking: Use “dofollow” links wisely to connect with other reputable local businesses, organizations, or news sources. This can strengthen your local ties and potentially improve your site’s authority in the eyes of search engines.
Check out these additional Local SEO tips from Google.
Local SEO Mastery
Navigating the complexities of “nofollow,” “dofollow,” and other Local SEO strategies can be overwhelming. That’s where Muon Marketing comes in. We’re your local SEO agency experts, dedicated to helping businesses like yours thrive in the digital landscape. We’ll work closely with you to craft a tailored strategy that aligns with your specific goals and empowers you to reach more local customers.
Ready to take your local business to the next level? Contact Muon Marketing today for a free consultation. Let’s unlock your full local SEO potential together!
